How the Broncos together with the flexible quarterback can halt the Kansas City Chiefs' reign.
Ex Buffalo Bills coach Phoebe Schecter serves as a football expert and represents the UK's national squad.
- Published
- 6 Comments
Week six of the 2025 NFL season
Real-time updates features live text of Sunday's games via various channels, starting with Denver Broncos v New York Jets in London (from 14:00 BST). Additionally, audio coverage is available through designated networks covering a separate game (from 21:00 BST).
We're in the sixth week in the NFL season , after last week's discussion regarding the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles being a potential Super Bowl match-up, they both lost their unbeaten records.
Striking during those contests was the number of penalties both committed. The Eagles did so at crucial times so they essentially beat themselves having led by two touchdowns entering the fourth period against the Denver Broncos, who play overseas this weekend.
However it proved positive to observe how Denver's QB Bo Nix was able to overcome the shortfall and then lead three scoring drives on three possessions in the fourth quarter, securing the game 21-17.
Denver have the top defender with cornerback their star corner. They rank number one in red zone defence, whereas Philadelphia lead the league in red zone offence, and the Broncos won that contest.
They executed the Eagles' number in terms of simulated pressure. They did not always rushing more than four pass rushers but they might position two linebackers in the 'A' gap before withdrawing them and dispatch a nickel off the edge.
At the start in the campaign, it was noted during a show that the Broncos could be the current year's dark horses. They finished the previous year strongly and did a good job of building upon that.
Could Denver be this year's underdog story?
New TE their tight end has excelled big and new RB their rusher is a guy they believe in. He's currently 5th league-wide in ground gains (402) as well as tied for fourth in rushing scores (4).
It's impressive that the coach Sean Payton has "RUN IT!" prominently of his playcall sheet.
This demonstrates how Denver are a squad aiming to prioritize the run, since you can achieve much off the back of that. It slows opposing rushes and maintains in positive down and distances.
This has helped QB Bo Nix, who came the NFL as a first-round selection in the prior draft, passing for 29 touchdown passes – second only to a star QB in rookie records (31 in 2020).
Other elite QBs possess the arm strength to throw anywhere, however they don't move in the same way as Nix. He boasts exceptional arm talent, which is different, and he is so athletic.
His strengths are his movement, the capacity to throw while moving, and using different arm angles to deliver the pass as he moves out of the pocket, on rollouts. He is able to throw precision throws over the middle or past defenders.
For a young quarterback, aged 25, he's got a lot of poise under pressure and isn't bothered by extra rushers. He tries to evade being tackled whenever possible and can throw in tight spots. He has a high football IQ and is quick to decide.
When you consistently rush it eats up the clock and forces the opponent to be on the field for longer, and if you've got an athletic quarterback the defence must defend the field downfield side to side. It can be exhausting.
Nix has bitten back at Payton during games sometimes and I think the coach likes that fire, that he's a fierce rival. I think it's exciting for the coach to have a rookie QB that is kind of like moldable clay. The coach can truly build something up how he desires to shape him. I believe it's a unique opportunity for him.
Payton owns a championship and has passed Bill Parcells in all-time victories (173, tying for 14th). He's seen it all. In my opinion the success Denver are experiencing on offence is largely due to his guidance, his play-calling, his game sense – and the pairing with Nix helps shape him into who he is.
You wouldn't want a more qualified person guiding you, to assist you through some of the tougher situations and build confidence.
I believe in Denver's defence, in the QB's grit and calm. Yet are they good enough to face a top squad at its best? Since that wasn't championship-level play by the Eagles last Sunday.
Currently, it's unlikely the Broncos are elite. They're performing better than most, that's a solid position to be in their division. The key to do is maintain this trajectory.
They excel at leaning into their forte, that is the ground game, and this is exactly what they should do versus the New York Jets at Tottenham. It will likely be the JK Dobbins show, in essence.
New York have allowed 140 yards on the ground per game (among the worst), five ground scores this season (10th worst), and they're the sole squad yet to win any game.
Ever since the league started recording turnovers in 1933, the Jets are the first team to be without any turnovers through five games, which is surprising considering that the head coach was previously defensive co-ordinator at the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' QB says Kansas City are off to a poor start after Monday's defeat by the Jaguars.
Following the upcoming matchup, Denver face a manageable slate until their bye (in week twelve) - the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and Las Vegas Raiders before the Kansas City Chiefs.
Looking at their division, Kansas City hold a losing record while Denver are tied with the Los Angeles Chargers at 3-2 so they could make a run at leading the division.
It depends upon which form Kansas City shows up they face because the Broncos {beat|def
